Basic Recipes Simple Modifications

I have had many people ask me what I make for dinner. As a personal trainer and mother on a budget I try to think of ways I can make things for my family so they are not so fattening. We don't eat out much, maybe 2-3 times a month. We very rarely eat fast food. That means I cook A LOT! I became a label reader a while back. You will find by making simple adjustments, you can make a big difference in your diet! If you have to ask yourself when the last time you ate fruit or vegetables was, there is a problem. It is fun to see what you can make with vegetables and fruits. I have to thank my husband for being so healthy food friendly. Let me just put it out there, I do make cookies a lot! I don't just eat healthy all the time. I am a human, but moderation is key. I am not reinventing the wheel here. I am making minor adjustments to it. Happy Cooking!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Super Yummy Turkey Meatballs/ Baked Ziti

Tonight we had the yummiest dinner in a while so I couldn't wait to post it. Get ready to knock your socks off!!!

You will need:

1lb Ground Turkey

1/4 c Parmesan Grated Cheese

1 egg

1/2 tsp basil

1/2c Bread Crumbs( I used Stove Top)

1/4c Fresh Parsley or 1T Dried Parsley

1/2 tsp Dried Oregano

1/2 box Rigatoni Noodles

1 jar Marinara with Olive oil

1/2-1c Shredded Cheese( did you know if you buy a block of cheese instead of already shredded you are saving yourself from cellulose! They put it in there to preserve shredded cheese. All that should be in cheese MILK and salt!

I added Marinated Artichoke Hearts and 2 diced Tomatoes, mushrooms would have been good too! Get creative and add those veggies like tomorrow!

Cook the noodles as directed on the box. While those are cooking combine all meatball ingredients and preheat oven to 375. Make small meatballs(I used a cookie dropper) cook in a skillet on stove medium heat until light brown. Watch your noodles so they don't boil over. Drain noodles and poor into small baking dish. Add Veggies and marinara sauce and mix well. Top with cheese and cook for 15 minutes until melted. I didn't combine the meatballs but you can. Enjoy this is so yummy and easy to make!